stars and stripes fruit pizza

Exactly one year ago today, I took this picture and was completely sold on the idea of starting the blog.  I was only taking the picture to send my grandfather as a thank you on that Memorial Day, but I had so much fun, I knew quickly that I didn't want to stop with one snapshot.

I never did post this, as the blog wasn't officially begun until a couple of weeks later, but I thought today was fitting to share.  This is one of my favorite desserts and couldn't be more perfect for a holiday such as this one.  

If you are fortunate enough to still have loved ones who have made tremendous sacrifices, so that across this country we can celebrate today in peace and great fun with friends and family, then hug them tightly and tell them, "Thank you!"  And every day... every day, may we celebrate the blessing of knowing others loved us more than themselves to make it possible. 

Stars and Stripes Fruit Pizza
Ingredients:
For the crust

• 3/4 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 cup flour

For the glaze

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup lemon juice

For the filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. honey

For the topping

• sliced bananas
• hulled and sliced strawberries
• blueberries

~ Mix butter, sugar and flour until thoroughly combined and press into rectangle about 1/4

    inch thick.

~ Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until slightly brown.  Cool.

~ In mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, brown sugar and honey.  Spread on cooled 

    cake.

~ Place cut fruit in flag design.

~ Mix 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, pineapple and lemon juices together and drizzle over fruit.  

~ Refrigerate until ready to serve.